Before it comes off. 

To preserve the cultural heritage of the city.

Kacper Ołowski (b. 1957) graduated in 1989 from PWSSP (Academy of Fine Arts) in Gdańsk, where he studied Interior Architecture and Print Design. He is a versatile artist, whose projects involve drawing, painting, interior design, objets d'art, performance, sculpture, film and music. He is also a co-founder of COX art group (set up with prof. Józef Czerniawski), founding member of SFINKS Foundation and founder of “Bonart” art studio (creating works based on techniques used by old masters). He has been a photographer for all his adult life, having learned the basics of photography under the supervision of prof. Witold Węgrzyn.

The exhibition titled “Before it comes off” is a photographic record of Ołowski's walks around the districts of Gdańsk in the search for precious mementos, nuances and curiosities of architecture of the 18th–20th century. Wandering around Wrzeszcz, Oliwa, Aniołki, Brzeźno, Dolne Miasto and Sopot, the artist seeks out and captures façades, staircases, architectural details or items of park architecture. Some of the objects photographed are gradually disintegrating, while some have already falling apart without being properly documented. Paying particular attention to the quality of his photographs, Ołowski sets out to prepare a visual catalogue of these old buildings, which in future could be published in the form of an album. At present, however, he is anxious to capture as many places as possible before the plaster comes off and while the buildings are still standing.  

The black-and-white photographs displayed in the BSCC Gallery show the beauty and details of the historic architecture of Sopot and Gdańsk districts: Wrzeszcz, Oliwa, Aniołki, Brzeźno.  The photographs are deliberately left without captions, nor are they assigned to specific addresses. The author leaves this fun to the viewers. This guarantees enjoyment both for the connoisseurs of local architecture and fans of photography who can appreciate the artistic touch.   

Organised with the financial assistance of Pomorskie Province.

The exhibition is open until 09 May 2017, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; tickets: PLN 1.00.